Dealing with recurring toenail fungal infections? Laser treatment may be the answer.

Toenail fungus, also referred to as onychomycosis, is an unpleasant and unsightly condition that can be rather difficult to treat. While you may have turned to over-the-counter creams and other medications to help combat the problem, the unfortunate issue is that many OTC products aren’t effective enough. That’s where our Chicago podiatrists, Dr. Marc Feder, Dr. Jason Kalk, and Dr. Jacob Richey can help.

How does the PinPointe laser work?

Unlike ointments and creams, which cannot penetrate through the nail to target the fungus, our laser system is able to safely and painlessly penetrate the nail to heat up and destroy the fungus underneath without affecting the surrounding skin.

How long is the procedure?

Since this laser treatment is minimally invasive it doesn’t require anesthesia or any invasive techniques. Therefore, the procedure itself only takes about 30 minutes per nail. The procedure will take longer if several nails require treatment at a time.

Is there any downtime associated with laser treatment?

There is absolutely no downtime or recovery period associated with PinPointe laser treatment from our Chicago office. Once the procedure is over, you can go right back to your daily routine. There are also virtually no side effects associated with this treatment; however, it is important to note that toenails will not be immediately clear afterward. It will take months for the nail to grow out clear.

How many sessions will I need?

Most patients only require one session in order to fully treat the infection; however, more severe or persistent cases may require one or two additional treatment sessions.

Who should consider receiving PinPointe laser treatment?

Anyone who is dealing with a toenail fungal infection that isn’t finding results through at-home care could benefit from visiting a podiatrist for laser treatment. If you are dealing with severe infections that are causing yellow, thick, and brittle nails, then laser therapy may give you the best results without dealing with side effects. This also provides patients who may not be able to take oral antifungal medications with another effective treatment option.

Affiliated Podiatrists has three locations in Chicago to serve you better. Whether you are dealing with persistent toenail fungal infection, ingrown toenails, or diabetic foot problems, our podiatrists can help you find the care you need. To learn more about PinPointe laser treatment, call us at (773) 202-8800 (N. Central Ave.), (773) 696-4700 (W. Addison St.), or (773) 558-4799 (N. Francisco Ave.).

A bunion is a bony swelling that occurs on the joint at the base of your big toe. It begins to form as some of the small bones in your foot slip out of place. When this happens, the end of your big toe is drawn towards your other toes forcing the joint on your big toe outwards. Here at Affiliated Podiatrists, Ltd. in Chicago, IL, our podiatrists specialize in treating bunions.

Signs and Symptoms of a Bunion

Indications that you have a bunion may include:

• A hard swelling at the base of your big toe
• Inflammation of the affected joint
• Callouses or corns between the big toe and the second toe
• Tenderness of the affected joint
• Inability to move your big toe
• Sharp pains in the affected joint that come and go

Often, bunions do not require medical treatment. However, you can benefit from seeing a podiatrist, particularly if you have:

• Persistent pain
• Difficulty wearing shoes
• Minimal movement of your big toe

What Causes Bunions?

Though the exact cause of a bunion is not known, medical specialists believe that the following factors are involved:

• Trauma to the foot
• Inherited gene
• Birth deformities
• Ill-fitting shoes

People with rheumatoid arthritis may also be prone to bunions.

Bunion Risk Factors

It’s possible that the following factors may increase your risk of bunions:

• Wearing high-heeled shoes that compress the toes
• Wearing shoes that are too narrow
• An inflammatory condition such as rheumatoid arthritis
• Genes inherited from your parents

Possible Complications from Bunions

If left untreated, bunions may lead to more serious complications such as:

• Hammertoe: This condition causes an abnormal bend in the middle joint of a toe – usually the second, third or fourth toe. It can be painful and debilitating.
• Bursitis: This condition causes a build-up of fluid in the pads that cushion your toe’s joints. This causes the joints to become inflamed.
• Metatarsalgia: This condition causes inflammation and pain in the ball of your foot.

If you are suffering from bunions, call one of Affiliated Podiatrists' three offices:

• N. Central Ave Chicago, - (773) 202-8800
• W. Addison St Chicago - 773-696-4700
• N. Francisco Ave. Chicago - (773) 558-4799

Here at Affiliated Podiatrists Ltd. in Chicago, IL, Drs. Feder, Kalk, and Richley treat common foot conditions such as bunions, warts, hammertoes, and more every day. Read on to learn how our podiatrists can help keep your feet in top shape.

Why see a podiatrist?

If your feet/ankles hurt or your mobility has been impaired by a podiatric condition such as bunions or hammertoes, your entire life can be affected. After all, pain, poor gait, limited range of motion, and more can all impair your ability to care for your family, work, or enjoy your favorite hobbies.

Accordingly, here at Affiliated Podiatrists Ltd., your foot doctors recommend an annual podiatric checkup for everyone over the age of 40 and more frequently for diabetics and those with serious conditions such as peripheral artery disease. During these appointments, your podiatrists check the ligaments, tendons, and even skin and nails to ensure optimal podiatric health.

Additionally, your podiatrists perform specialized gait analysis, take sophisticated imaging (such as MRIS), assess circulation, and more. Customized treatment plans can include surgeries as needed, but more frequently, your foot doctors provide the exercises, shoe inserts, laser therapies, and other less invasive treatments that are effective yet cause less downtime and inconvenience.

Common podiatric conditions and treatments

Here are some of the podiatric conditions that your foot doctors treat in their Chicago offices:

• Bunions, an acquired deformity of the joint at the base of the big toe
• Hammertoes, in which the smaller toes resemble claws due to pressure from poorly fitting shoes
• Ingrown toenails which grow into the skin at the side of the big toes because of poor pedicure techniques and shoes with narrow toe boxes
• Fungal toenails, or onychomycosis, yellow, brittle nails infected with a fungi which thrive in moist, dark environments such as sweaty sneakers
• Plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the connective tissue which stretches across the arch, causing heel pain
• Plantar warts, small hard bumps on the bottom surface of either foot, typically caused by a virus
• Corns and calluses, thickened areas of skin which form from pressure and friction inside the shoe

Drs. Feder, Kalk, and Richley offer traditional and highly reliable treatment plans for these conditions. Additionally, they work to provide the latest innovations in foot and ankle care.

How are your feet doing?

Find out for sure by coming to Affiliated Podiatrists Ltd. in Chicago. We have two convenient locations and Saturday hours, as well. For the Central Avenue location, phone (773) 202-8800. For West Addison Street, call (773) 696-4700.

Let your flexible spending account work hard for you and your footcare needs when you need it most.

Has your employer enrolled you in a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA)? If so, then this could help you afford the necessary medical care you need when you are dealing with foot or ankle problems in Chicago and you need to turn to our podiatrists for treatment. (The kind of care that might not have been a covered benefit by the terms of your insurance policy.) Medical care shouldn’t break the bank and using your flexible spending account can help you save money and stay healthy.
 

How does an FSA or HSA work?

It’s important to be aware that both of these spending accounts take a use-it-or-lose-it approach. Therefore, whatever money is in your account that you don’t use at the end of the year you’ll lose. While some companies may offer a rollover, chances are good that you will lose the money you put into your spending account if you don’t use it.

If you find that you have cash left in your FSA or HAS you’ll want to use it before December 31st. Luckily, podiatry visits and treatments qualify. With HSA/FSA you can pay for,

Regular appointments: Preventive care is always the best medicine. Visit our Chicago foot doctors every year to make sure that your feet and ankles are healthy and that you are doing everything you can to keep them free from disease and injury.

Orthotics: Custom orthotics can provide your feet with additional cushioning and support and can help everyone from diabetics to athletes.

Laser therapy: Whether your podiatrist has recommended EPAT to treat heel or tendon pain or you are interested in getting PinPointe™ laser therapy to treat your stubborn toenail fungus, your flexible spending account can make it possible to afford the treatments you need to care for your feet.

Affiliated Podiatrists has two offices to provide more comprehensive and attentive foot and ankle care to patients living in Chicago, IL. If you have a flex spending account then let’s talk about ways that we can help you save on the foot and ankle care you need. Call us for an appointment. Now the freedom to choose is yours. Call 773-202-8800.

Bunions are not just unattractive—they can also cause pain and even affect your ability to walk, exercise, and even drive in severe cases. If a bunion is large enough, it can even make it difficult to fit into your shoes! In most cases, bunions can be managed and treated conservatively with just a few lifestyle adjustments and modifications. Unfortunately, bunions can also get progressively worse over time, causing pain and putting you at risk for joint damage. Here at Affiliated Podiatrists, Ltd. in Chicago, IL, our podiatrists offer diagnostic and treatment options for bunions and other foot and ankle injuries and conditions—read on to learn how we can help your condition.

What Exactly is a Bunion?

Bunions are caused by damage to the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, and manifest themselves as bumps at the base of the big toe, sometimes going so far as to curve the big toe away from the joint and towards the other toes. Bunions can be painful and cause symptoms such as swelling, redness, calluses, and corns due to the friction between the bunion and your shoes. Arthritis in the MTP joint can also limit your range of motion and make movement painful.

What Causes Bunions?

Anyone can develop a bunion without an obvious underlying reason, but there are some factors that can increase your risk and make you more susceptible to bunions. Some of the biggest risk factors include:

• Wearing high heels and narrow shoes that crowd the toes
• Spending a lot of time on your feet
• Heredity and family history
• Have flat feet/low arches
• An injury to the joint
• Arthritis

How We Can Help

Generally, depending on the size of the bunion and the severity of your symptoms, our podiatrists initially recommend conservative treatments such as applying ice, taking medication (ibuprofen or cortisone), using a splint, or wearing supportive insoles/orthotics. However, if you have extensive joint damage, surgery is sometimes recommended to remove damaged tissue and repair the joint. To decide which treatment is best for your situation, we will examine your bunion during a consultation at one of our Chicago offices. At this point, we will then discuss your options with you in order to determine the best course of action.

Contact Us

For more information about your risk for developing bunions and the treatment options available to you, contact Affiliated Podiatrists, Ltd. by dialing (773) 202-8800 or (773) 696-4700 to schedule an appointment at one of our two Chicago locations.